24 Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a genetic disease that affects around 11,000 people in the UK, and over 160,000 globally. One of the most important bugs that causes this is Pseudomonas aeruginosa, a bacterium that is present everywhere but rarely has negative effects on people with healthy lungs. For people suffering from respiratory conditions, such as people with cystic fibrosis (pwCF), this bacterium can be deadly, and it is the leading cause of decline in lung health, compromising people’s quality of life. A research team at the University of Nottingham have developed a technological solution to enhance the rapid detection of the P. aeruginosa pathogen. In 2022, the team took part in the Biofilms ICURe Sprint - an accelerated version of the well-established Innovate UK Innovation to Commercialisation of University Research (ICURe) programme, funded by NBIC and delivered by SETsquared. After completing the programme, the team were awarded funding to transform their solution into a spin-out called MiDx. The team said: “Our experience on the Biofilms ICURe Sprint was transformational. It enabled our group to step out of the lab, build valuable networks, and engage directly with stakeholders. Although the process was intensive, the skills and training we gained were extremely valuable, helping us develop a new approach to innovation and technology commercialisation” The company have previously identified and validated a biomarker specific for P. aeruginosa in a large MRC clinical study in adults and children with CF, detected not only in sputum but also in plasma and urine. Based upon PhD research conducted by former NBIC BITE student Simone Lucanto, MiDx has developed a urine-based lateral flow test specific for P. aeruginosa, returning a result in 20 minutes. The technology is designed for use in clinical settings at the point of care, with the potential for home use by patients. This testing could provide significant long-term NHS cost savings of up to £54m. Revolutionising Healthcare MiDx aims to improve quality of life for people with CF and make early, accurate microbial identification a cornerstone in the management of this complex condition. Across the UK, Europe and the United States, around 100,000 people with cystic fibrosis require ongoing monitoring for P. aeruginosa, representing an estimated $130 million market. While patients with cystic fibrosis represent the first target market, MiDx’s technology also aims to address the broader respiratory diagnostics opportunity, estimated at $465 million, within a total global P. aeruginosa testing market of over $1.5 billion. IP has been generated and exclusively licenced to MiDx. A subsequent patent will be filed when appropriate to maximise patent lifetime. MiDx is currently in the final prototyping stage of the device and is now part of the £4.5m Precision Innovation Hub, funded by LifeArc and the Cystic Fibrosis Trust, which will provide access to clinical samples to support further validation and development of the technology. Simone Lucanto Simone is CTO and co-founder of MiDx, developing advanced point-of-care diagnostics to transform infection management. As a microbiologist with over eight years’ research experience, Simone specialises in monoclonal antibody production and novel diagnostic technologies. His PhD at the University of Nottingham focused on pioneering methodologies for detecting Pseudomonas aeruginosa in cystic fibrosis patients and establishing robust antibody characterisation protocols. 24 CASE STUDY
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